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Special spotlight: Native Cinema Showcase highlights the best in Indigenous filmmaking frame by frame

Adrian Gomez Adrian Gomez Adrian Gomez Journal Arts Editor

Published August 16, 2023 - 1:00 p.m. Modified September 21, 2024 - 2:00 a.m.

NATIVE CINEMA SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

NATIVE CINEMA

SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18

1 p.m.: “We Are Still Here,”

a 2022 film from Australia/New Zealand

3 p.m.: “Rosie,” a 2022 film from Canada

7 p.m.: “Fancy Dance,” a 2022 film from the United States

In person: Director Erica Tremblay will participate in a Q&A following the screening.

Saturday, Aug. 19

11 a.m.: Future-Focused Shorts Program is a family-friendly block of short films that are fun for kids of all ages.

1 p.m.: Connections Shorts Program is a collection of short films that explore the unique complexities of the relationships we form within ourselves and with other people.

3 p.m.: “Powerlands,” a 2022 film from the United States

7 p.m.: Special Performance Event. Indigenous music videos followed by a special performance with Doc Native & Spencer Battiest (Seminole Tribe of Florida) and DJ Emcee One.

Music videos start at 7 p.m.; performances start at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 20

11 a.m.: Inside Out Shorts Program showcases unique short stories that defy the norms through true crime, supernatural elements, and humorous twists on cultural appropriation.

2 p.m.: “Lakota Nation vs. United States,” a 2022 film from the United States.

2023 NATIVE CINEMA SHOWCASE

WHEN: Runs Thursday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 20

WHERE: New Mexico History Museum,

113 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe

HOW MUCH: Free to attend

It’s been 23 years since the Smithsonian has brought the Native Cinema Showcase to Santa Fe.

This year’s event runs concurrently with SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market and will showcase 41 films in this year’s showcase.

There will also be two New Mexico premieres with “Hey Viktor!” and “Fancy Dance.”

The showcase runs from Thursday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 20, at the New Mexico History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave. in Santa Fe.

The theme for the showcase is “Indigenous Perseverance.”

“Each film will inspire, uplift and triumph,” says Cindy Benitez, Native Cinema Showcase program manager.

Benitez says the showcase begins to build its lineup almost a year in advance.

Smithsonian officials attend world premieres and take time to reach out to filmmakers and distributors to build their list.

“Each one of these films deserves that special spotlight,” she says. “There are other films that are just as amazing. We only have room for a certain amount, but with programming for the Smithsonian institutions, we’re able to also highlight the films outside of the showcase as well.”

Benitez says the theme is “Indigenous Perseverance” and each film will inspire and uplift. “Hey Viktor!” screened as the opening night film.

Benitez says Native Cinema Showcase had considered about 200 films before officials whittled it down to 41.

“The films chosen are really stand-out films,” she says. “Every year there’s a different program. When we get incredible films submitted, we can properly plan out many of these programs. Over the years, our programming has gotten better because Native filmmakers have stepped up their game.”

Benitez has been in the film industry for 20 years and worked 12 years for the museum.

She works alongside of a team of people who are searching not only for the best filmmaking, but a strong story.

“In the 12 years of being with Native Cinema Showcase, I’ve seen a beautiful evolution of Native cinema,” she says. “It’s grown exponentially. The golden age of Native cinema is coming back again. It’s great to see projects like ‘Reservation Dogs,’ ‘Dark Winds,’ ‘Prey,’ and Disney’s upcoming project called ‘Echo’ coming up. All of these projects showcase what’s happening in Native cinema.”

Benitez says 23 years into the history of Native Cinema Showcase, there are still plans for it to be in a wider release.

Being a staple at Santa Fe Indian Market has helped get more eyes on the films.

“We’re not there yet, but we have a plan to take the showcase into Native communities across the country,” she says. “It’s always been in the plan to bring the showcase and awareness of these films to the greater community.”